County Durham bus stops revamped in £1.8m scheme
A £1.8 million revamp of hundreds of bus stops across County Durham has been announced.It comes after a 2024 warning to transport bosses that public confidence in services was at "an all-time low".Work has begun on 168 new bus shelters and 50 raised kerbs, while 444 new bus stop flags and signs will be erected to improve visibility and guidance.North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said: "This investment is all about making bus stops safer, more accessible and more welcoming."
She added: "We're installing new shelters, better signage and raised kerbs to make boarding easier for those with mobility needs – simple improvements that will help people feel more confident using buses."Last year saw timetable changes and some cost-cutting measures, yet passenger satisfaction in County Durham increased to 82% in 2024, up from 76% the year before. The total number of bus users also increased over the year after driver strikes sidelined services in late 2023.
Ms McGuinness has pledged to bring the North East's bus network back under public control for the first time since the 1980s. Her franchising plans would mean that the North East Combined Authority (NECA) would be able to set fare prices, routes and timetables.However, there have been warnings that the move could take several years to complete.
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